Udupi Krishna Temple

Karnataka is known for its versatile tourist attractions. The temples of Karnataka are the famous pilgrim places for the devotees. Among them Udupi which is the birth place of the 12th century saint Mahadeva has been regarded a sacred temple place for the Vaishnavites at the Karnataka coastal town.

The Udupi Krishna Temple is located 60 km far from the Mangalore city. The Udupi Krishna Temple is commonly known as Krishna Mutt. This shrine is one of the sacred temples of the southern region of India which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol of lord Krishna in the Udupi Krishna Temple was installed by the age old saint Madhavacharya.

The reason why the Udupi Krishna Temple in Karnataka allures a large number of devotees every year has a long history behind it. It is said that the idol of lord Krishna was carried by a mariner who took it for a sandalwood lump. In the western coast of Malpe during the mid of his journey the ship was caught by a high storm. Then Madhavacharya appeared there and stopped the storm by mighty power. Being rescued by him the mariner gave the saint the sandalwood lump as a gift out of gratitude. Then saint Madhvacharya installed the deity of Lord Krishna in the temple.

The devotees also believe that a follower of Krishna Kanakadas, once wanted to visit the Udupi Krishna Temple during 16th century. But he was not permitted to enter into the temple as he belonged to a lower class. But he was completely devoted to Lord Krishna and didn't gave up. Being pleased by his prayer and dedication Krishna created a hole on the back wall of the temple to give him the scope to see. The hole is still there and is known as Kanakanakindi by the name of Kanakdas.

A special puja of Lord Krishna is offered on Janmashtami in the Udupi Krishna Temple of Karnataka.